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Thread: Surf Casting Rod

  1. #1
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    Surf Casting Rod

    I am heading down to the Outer Banks for a week or so in a month. Being the gear whore I am I want to buy a surf casting rod to take along with me. I have done a lot of salt water fishing, just not a lot of surf casting. Wondering what size rod I should buy? What lb weight line I should use? I have seen recommendations for anywhere from 7 - 10 ft rods and 10 - 30lb line.

    Anyone here have any first hand experience that they can share?
    Courage + believe = life. Life is not about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths

  2. #2
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    Red Drum or stripers?
    bait?
    plugs?
    jigs?

    need more details.
    The only thing worse than the feeling that you are going to die is the realization that you probably won't.

  3. #3
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    I prefer to use smaller rods and 14-20lb braid lines.

    The specs for the rods I use in the surf are:
    7' inshore spinning rod - Medium weight (lure weight 1/4-3/8oz, line wieght 8-12lb), fast action, w/14lb braid

    7'6" inshore sr - medium heavy (lure weight 3/8-1.50oz, line wieght 10-20lb), fast action, w/20lb braid

    I have no issues (besides a little rod wear on the smaller one) casting 3oz plugs, tins, or bucktails a long way with either rod.

    I also have the standard surf rod with the long butt (9' mh, fast action), but to me those are best for when using bait.

    When i fish the surf I like to walk a lot and cast a lot so I prefer the smaller "inshore" rods.

    Do you have any sense of how you'll be fishing (bait, lures, etc.?)
    ...And the greatest ice must crumble when it's flower's time to grow.

  4. #4
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    Probably a bit of both lures and bait. Not sure what will be running in July. I know that Drum are always there, I am not sure when Mackerel start their run. When I fish freshwater I am typically use lures, but I am sure there will be times when I just want to throw it out there and let it sit while I enjoy a beer. Sounds like a 7.5 might be the fit for me.
    Courage + believe = life. Life is not about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths

  5. #5
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    You'll be dealing with some moving water/surf.

    If you wanna be able to throw with the rest, invest in a Nautil 6500 or 7500 if you wanna go spin or find a penn 704z or bigger.... Abu 7000 HSN or Shimano Calcutta 400TE if you want to go convench.

    Rod? 10 foot... Tsunami or the like are cheap enough.... 2-6 is probably a reasonable range to throw big wood/tins/4oz and bait.

    My current surf/jetty arsenal is:
    Factory Lamiglass 8'6" 1pc 3/4-2 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (lighter plugs)
    Custom Allstar 10' 2pc 2-4 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (plugs/eels)
    Custom Allstar 10'6" 1pc 4-8 Avet SX magged (bait/big big wood)
    Custom Allstar 10' 1pc 6-10 Avet SX magged (jigging for the Cape Cod Canal/8+bait)
    Last edited by Free Range Lobster; 05-31-2007 at 03:32 PM.
    The only thing worse than the feeling that you are going to die is the realization that you probably won't.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Free Range Lobster View Post

    My current surf/jetty arsenal is:
    Factory Lamiglass 8'6" 1pc 3/4-2 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (lighter plugs)
    Custom Allstar 10' 2pc 2-4 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (plugs/eels)
    Custom Allstar 10'6" 1pc 4-8 Avet SX magged (bait/big big wood)
    Custom Allstar 10' 1pc 6-10 Avet SX magged (jigging for the Cape Cod Canal/8+bait)

    That is quite the money set up. Especially the 8'6" with the Conquest.

  7. #7
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    FRL - HOLY SHIT! There is some money there. I do not think I can justify that kind of ching for once or twice a year. I think I am going to go with a 9 footer with a Penn reel. I am heading out to Gander Mountain and Dicks this weekend to look around. BTW - when are you heading to KW?
    Courage + believe = life. Life is not about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths

  8. #8
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    take a look at 9 foot/10 foot Ticas or Tsunamis.
    They're cheap rods but they work well.

    And yes, I have ALOT of money in saltwater fishing gear.
    I'm just glad I don't have to spend any money on plugs.
    The only thing worse than the feeling that you are going to die is the realization that you probably won't.

  9. #9
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    So a little research has shown that I am more of a JONG at this than I first thought. I went to Wall Mart, Gander Mountain, Dick's and K-Mart. I tried to go to International Angler but they were closed yesterday.

    Few things I learned. Do not go Wall Mart, Gander Mountain, Dick's and K-Mart in Western PA to look for a Surf Casting set up. Do not go to Cabela's in Wheeling looking for one either (at least I just called them instead of making the drive.)

    The closest thing I found was a Catfish rod at Gander so it looks like I am going to have to buy online if I want one before I get there. Anyone know any good online resources? Cabela's pricing looks solid and they have a good reputation but that is about the extent of my knowledge.
    Courage + believe = life. Life is not about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Free Range Lobster View Post
    I'm just glad I don't have to spend any money on plugs.
    Because you have a spancership with the hair club for men?

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Odin View Post
    Because you have a spancership with the hair club for men?
    FKNA!
    The only thing worse than the feeling that you are going to die is the realization that you probably won't.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by SkiEvil View Post
    Anyone know any good online resources?
    Cape Cod Tackle
    Tackle Direct
    stripersonline
    NJTackle
    The only thing worse than the feeling that you are going to die is the realization that you probably won't.

  13. #13
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    Repost the question here....

    http://fishmojo.com/forums/

    Edit: Check this tread...

    http://fishmojo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12657

    Edit2: I think that the 11' 4-7 oz rod they talk about in that thread would be perfect. $85.

    or call Frank and Frans or Red Drum Tackle

    I've fished at the OBX quite a bit (many years ago). For bait fishing, be prepared to throw 17lb-20lb test line line on a rod that can easily handle 3-6 oz of lead and up to 8oz in a pinch. If not, you'll be drift fishing. (there is a reason they fish with "frog tongues" and "sputniks" down there...)
    Last edited by Lonnie; 06-05-2007 at 08:21 AM.
    This is the worst pain EVER!

  14. #14
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    Thanks to everyone who responded, I ended up going a little on the cheap side, just because we are getting ready to move into a new house and cash is a little tight. Went to Cabela's and got a Daiwa Eliminator 10 footer with a Cabela Salt Water Striker Spinning reel. I got the whole package including some 15 lb test and a spool of shock leader for $100 bucks. I will post a trip report when I return.
    Courage + believe = life. Life is not about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by SkiEvil View Post
    Went to Cabela's and got a Daiwa Eliminator 10 footer
    I've got that same rod. It will serve you well.
    This is the worst pain EVER!

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